#bowing our heads to people who want us dead no matter what we do will not save us

[writingblogsandothers]

The Chosen One

Part 7

Writer's Note: Don't forget to submit your answer for our poll Sending all the love, as per X

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: Mild Taunting/Teasing // Mild Fear // Mild violence // Mild kissing // Mild indications of sleeping together (nothing overly descriptive)

Use of She/Her/Lady - Female Pronouns

Readers over the age of 18 only please

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4 // Part 5 // Part 6

Aurelia sat back, upright in her seat. She didn’t know where to look or how to help her brothers. She looked to Geta who was discussing who his odds were on with Acacius. Lucilla looked down at her to see her distress. She rose from her chair before Caracalla stood, making her take her former position.

Looking at him with sheer disgust, Aurelia began to open her mouth – it was quickly quashed.

“People of Rome! Welcome to the games which I have so graciously planned and orchestrated for your entertainment. These are in celebration of my dear brother, and my new sister. Isn’t she marvellous? Congratulate them!” The crowd erupted into great cheers to which Geta stood and waved. He looked down at his wife as though to usher her to her feet, but he could see the look of total devastation pour over her features.

“Aurelia, stand for your subjects.” He demanded through gritted teeth, ignoring her issue for now. She stood slowly to her feet when the crowd roared louder, “I think they like you, dear one.” Geta told her. She simply nodded but couldn’t take her eyes off her brothers who were below, with their heads bowed.

“Romans, we have much to see today. Your gladiators have so graciously entered this arena for our entertainment and well, we must be entertained! Today, we will see the elite shine through. Guards – draft in Macrinus’ gladiators, others may reside back to their quarters. NOW!” the guards took action at Caracalla’s demand and Aurelia sighed a breath of relief when she saw that her brothers were not part of Macrinus’ crowd. Geta looked down at her with a degree of disgust and curiosity, ‘What has gotten into her today?’ he thought to himself.

“RELEASE THE LIONS!”

Everyone in the Royal balcony sat to watch the carnage unfold. The two brothers laughed and giggled as the Colosseum arena lit up red with destruction. Three of Macrinus’ gladiators were already mauled, “Not so muscular now, are they Macrinus?” Caracalla jibed to his new ‘friend’. “My dear Emperor, no they are not. There is one but, he’s special. Watch him prevail.” And sure enough, he was the gladiator to lead the remainder of his crowd to victory. Aurelia couldn’t help but shed a tear for the injured and dead, animals and people alike. Why must the games be so cruel? Was it the games, or the organiser?

“Fetch me this gladiator, I would like to thank him for the show he put on for my wife and I.” Geta shouted over his shoulder to Macrinus. He nodded, “As you wish, my Lord.” He made his way to the enclosure for fighters, and everyone else stayed put. Aurelia turned over her shoulder to see a concerned Lucilla staring at her. She stiffened her upper lip, in a bid to tell her to do the same. With that, Aurelia sobered up and put on a frosty front.

Once the games were over for the day, Geta took his wife on a walk across the gardens. “What was the matter with you earlier? You really were gunning to embarrass me, Aurelia! I think it might serve you well to remember who you are married to and who you serve!” he screamed at her.

Aurelia took a step away from him, not caring for consequences. “Embarrass you? I think you might want to have a word with your brother in regard to embarrassing people, Geta. Not only embarrassing, but humiliation and darn right torture!”

“You need to get over this soft patch you have, even for these gladiators. They wanted this life. They chose it. They-”

“MY BROTHERS ARE IN THERE GETA! MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD ARE THERE. I know them, they did not choose this life. They have been hand selected – summonsed. So please don’t stand there and patronise me and try to tell me they wanted this life. None of them did.”

Geta was shocked at her outburst, for both not knowing she had seen her brothers in the arena, as well as the way she spoke to him. “Your brother did this. He has done this to spite me, for whatever reason. I have been nothing but kind and accepting of him and his vile ways, yet he has done not only me, but my family a grave injustice.”

“Aurelia, please. Have you heard yourself?”

“Geta. Why would you taunt someone with “Surprise!” if you didn’t know nothing about the people below you?” as she mocked Caracalla’s child-like ways.

Geta took a step back to take all in what he heard. How was he to resolve this problem? He knew if he pardoned the two brothers that he would be seen as weak and cowardly and would also enrage his brother further. Whereas he knew the reality if nothing was done, those men were done for, and his wife would resent him forever.

“So, what are you going to do about it?” Aurelia asked him dead-toned, with a tear-stained face.

Geta looked up to her slowly. It broke his cold heart to see her look so desperate, yet at this time, he couldn’t show weakness by caressing her to comfort.

“I will equip them with the best training and armour until I can find a resolution. We have to be careful Aurelia, my brother, he doesn’t like when things don’t go his way.”

Aurelia walked up to Geta and grabbed him by the loose fabric at his chest, “Your call. But let me assure you, if there’s so much as a hair touched on either of my brothers heads – your brother’s head will be served on a cold, silver platter.” She let go of his garment and stormed back to her quarters, leaving Geta in a state of disarray. Firstly, how dare she speak to him like that, he was the Emperor?! On the other hand, something deep down within him, halfway liked the fiery side to his wife. Decisions, decisions.

***

A knock came to Aurelia’s door to which Alba rose to answer. It was Lucilla. Alba welcomed her in, and Aurelia ran to her arms. She saw Lucilla as not only a friend, but almost like a mother figure to her within the palace.

“My dear child, what is the matter? I saw you so upset earlier at the games, is it just the carnage you do not enjoy?”

Aurelia sobbed into her shoulder, grabbing her tighter. Lucilla dismissed Alba for a moment, while she brought Aurelia to the sofa in front of her. The two ladies sat while Lucilla took Aurelia’s hands into hers. She breathed in deeply to compose herself.

“It is Caracalla. He drafted in my two brothers to join the gladiators for the games. He took great glee in telling me this was his ‘surprise’. I can’t let anything happen to them Lucilla. It would kill my parents, truly. They already lost me – losing the boys would be too much to face.”

Lucilla sighed deeply, she knew only too well how menacing the Emperors were, but Caracalla has taken it to another level – for someone who had done nothing to him, only show grace.

“Sweet girl, do not fear. I will tell Marcus everything, he will see to it sorted. He will free them back to their rightful home.”

“No Lucilla, you mustn’t! Geta said it would only enrage him further to do such a thing. I fear he would go outside the palace walls and hurt my parents, or destroy their home, or something I truly don’t know what he is capable of.”

Lucilla nodded in response. She knew what Geta had said was right, surprised by the sudden sense of empathy which he suddenly had.

“Do not fret. We will see to ensure that they are looked after. No harm will come to them. I will see to arrange a meeting with Marcus and Geta. We need to protect them without Caracalla knowing.”

Another loud knock came from the door, Alba entered the room once more, “My Lady, may I enter to answer the door?”

“Alba, of course, please come in.”

Alba made her way to the door where the Emperor stood outside. She bowed as he entered and he swiftly made his way over to his wife.

“Lucilla.” He nodded in her direction.

“Emperor.” She curtsied in his direction.

“Aurelia, do you wish to come with me to meet Macrinus’ gladiators?” he stared at his wife intently, “I think it would serve you well to keep up appearances if we are to win Caracalla round.” Lucilla looked to the girl to nod in agreement with Geta.

“Okay, but one condition.”

“Anything.”

“Meet with Marcus Acacius. Work with him to protect my brothers discreetly.”

He looked to his wife, narrowed his eyes, “Aurelia, I am a man of my word. Marcus and I have discussed already. They have been placed into their own cell and have been guarded with the best of armour and weaponry. For now, it will suffice.”

Aurelia thanked him quietly, “Lucilla, would you like to join us? Marcus is already down there.” Geta asked. Lucilla nodded, and they made their way toward Caracalla’s quarter.

***

Upon entering, they saw Marcus Acacius speaking with Macrinus, and Caracalla with Dondus along with his usual entourage. He rose from his seat, “Sister, Sister!” He kissed either side of her cheek, “How lovely to see you here! What did you think of your surprise? Wasn’t it grand?”

Aurelia fought every single fibre of her being from taking this short little pathetic man down to the ground and showing how she would fare in the arena, but instead she curtly smiled at him, “Oh yes Emperor, it was most grand. Thank you.” He stood back to admire her, taking her in from her flowing locks to the white sandals on her feet. “Good, good. I am glad you enjoyed dear Sister.” There was a short silence that followed, and Aurelia stared as equally as intently at Caracalla. Geta looked behind him to make sure she was okay. “Come, come. I want you to meet Macrinus. OH MACRINUS!” He took Aurelia by the hand and ushered her over to where Geta stood and presented her to Macrinus.

“Empress, pleasure to meet you again.”

“As it is you, Macrinus. So, tell me… how do you get these gladiators in such great performant shape?”

Macrinus lets a hearty laugh from his stomach, taking Aurelia by the arm to approach the balcony from Caracalla’s living quarters where it was visible to see the gladiators gathered in the courtyard.

Geta watches on. He was perplexed how his wife could put on such face when he knew the trials and tribulations she was currently going through. She really was something to behold.

***

“My, my Empress I must say, the palace is very admirable. I can see why you would have settled in so quickly.” Macrinus states as he tries to suss Aurelia out.

“Yes, it is nothing short of impressive. I have a lot to thank Emperor Geta for, he truly is magnificent.” She bums her husband up, in a bid to try and establish where his loyalties lay.

“You are lucky Empress indeed. He is a great man.” She noticed the way he turned away to observe the landscape as he said that. Something with this man did not sit right with her, so she decided to pry a bit more.

“Macrinus, do tell how you got to such powers. You have established quite the name for yourself here around the palace. Emperor Caracalla seems to hold you with great regard.”

He ushered his hand for Aurelia to sit, as he did the same, “I came from nothing. I have worked very hard to build this empire for myself, and I like to have nice things Aurelia – that really motivates me.” Aurelia nods in response for him to continue, “Seeing the way I used to live compared to now, it can really change a man.”

“I know how you mean.” Aurelia agrees to appease him, when secretly she didn’t like where this conversation was headed. He was about to continue when Caracalla interrupted, “Sister, forgive us, we have to leave. I must present Macrinus to the Senate – they are going to love him!”

“Please be on your way, thank you. I trust I shall be seeing you around Macrinus?” Aurelia asks.

Macrinus turns on his heels, “Indeed you will, Empress. Good day.” He curtsied toward her and followed Caracalla out into the halls.

Geta walked over to take her face in his hands, stroking her cheek gently with his thumb. Leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Come darling, let us dine and settle for the evening.”

She took him by the arm and followed him into the hall, turning her back to watch the warm pink hue of the sunset over her shoulder. She only hoped for a better day tomorrow.

Part 8

[spookyc]

Having watched Nimona recently, I feel it's important for me, as a trans person, to discuss a certain criticism I've seen regarding the movie. A criticism I take great issue with, and one that I think needs to be addressed. And that is the supposed issue of Nimona being "too blatant" about its queerness, that its message is "ham-fisted" in nature. And that bothers me. It bothers me that people think that something that is blatant is inherently bad. It bothers me that people think its message is ham-fisted simply because you don't have to go searching for it. Something being obvious isn't inherently negative and I'm tired of that sentiment being thrown around like it's fact. Because subtlety isn't an inherent good either, neither are good or bad entirely. And frankly, when it comes to queerness in media, the only way it will have an impact is if it's blatant. Especially regarding transness.

Because, if you'll allow me to be completely blunt and candid, we don't live in a society where subtle queerness can be appreciated. We live in a society that wants people like me eradicated for simply existing. Laws are being passed continously that discriminate against us and prevent us from living comfortably. We live in a world rn where we either have to suffer in silence or fucking die. That is the reality trans people live in. So if those that hate us are given any indication that they can disregard us, ignore us, pretend we don't exist, they will take that opportunity everytime. We've seen this with Across the Spiderverse, where even trans flags and trans colors splashed across Gwen will still lead to people denying her transness.

Because at the end of the day, Spiderverse is still about Miles Morales, and it's still about Spiderman, and Spiderman's story isn't inherently queer. So they'll make every excuse to ignore Gwen's transness, or they'll simply ignore her story to focus on the rest of what ATSV has to offer. Ultimately, it can still be overlooked and enjoyed without acknowledging that aspect. But that isn't the case for Nimona. Nimona is a queer story with queer themes and queer characters, queerness is baked into the very core of what Nimona is. To not acknowledge those aspects is to blatantly misinterpret the movie, you cannot divorce Nimona from being gay, and trans, and nonbinary, and genderfluid and everything that falls in between. It is blatant, and really, I think that's what we need rn. We need something so unapolegetically queer that people can't ignore it, they can't disregard it, and they can't look away from it. Because then that means they have to acknowledge us, that they can't wipe us out, that we are here and we are loud and we WILL make our voices known. Being quiet helps no one, but being loud is what inspires change, it's what makes people uncomfortable, and I say we make them as uncomfortable as possible.

For every bigot that wants us dead, that thinks we're monsters and unfit for society, you will have the bigots who understand that they're wrong. You will have the bigots who change the way they see us, and might even recognize how harmful they were being. You don't get that by keeping your head down and hinting towards a vague metaphor that a character might be trans, because with how things are right now, it won't be enough to make an impact. You do that by making a metaphor so obvious it bypasses subtext and becomes the text, you do that by having characters like Nimona, who simply wish to exist without everyone pestering her about who she is, she's Nimona, and that's the only answer she or anyone should have to give. You do that by intiating a rallying cry, to inspire trans people, kids or otherwise, and to state plain and clearly that we see you, and that you aren't alone.

So yeah Nimona is very blatant in its queerness, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[ruthlessrps]

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐘'𝐒 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐍 (𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟖) 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒. - feel free to make any adjustments as necessary!

"we're under attack!"

"send your troops to protect my people."

"one man could be the difference between victory and defeat."

"the doctor said three cups of tea in the morning and three at night."

"i'm going to... pray some more."

"how lucky can they be? they're dead."

"we're gonna turn this sow's ear into a silk purse."

"you'll bring honour to us all."

"boys will gladly go to war for you."

"boys want girls with good taste."

"an apple for serenity, a pendant for balance, beads of jade for beauty..."

"help me not to make a fool of me."

"reflect before you act. this shall bring you honour and glory."

"you will never bring your family honour."

"i'm not meant to play this part."

"if i were truly to be myself, i would break my family's heart."

"i cannot hide who i am, though i've tried."

"you dishonour me."

"it is an honour to protect my country and my family."

"so you'll die for honour?"

"i will die doing what's right."

"i know my place. it is time you learned yours."

"you should go after her. she could be killed."

"if you're gonna stay, you're gonna work."

"not a lizard. i don't do that tongue thing."

"if i was my real size your cow here would die of fright."

"i'm just nervous. i've never done this before."

"what are you looking at?"

"i'm gonna hit you so hard it'll make your ancestors dizzy."

"i don't need anyone causing trouble in my camp."

"you forgot your sword."

"for what it's worth, i think you're a great captain."

"you like him, don't you?"

"i should have your head for that."

"the local girls thought you were quite the charmer."

"how about a girl who's got a brain, who always speaks her mind?"

"he thinks he's such a ladykiller."

"i have a girl back home who's unlike any other."

"the only girl who'd love him is his mother."

"you just gave away our position!"

"you are the craziest man i've ever met, and for that i owe you my life."

"a life for a life. my debt is repaid."

"i should never have left home."

"at least you had good intentions."

"are we in this together or not?"

"keep your eyes open. i know they're here."

"your walls and armies have fallen."

"bow to me."

"no matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it."

"i've heard a great deal about you."

"you fight good."

"the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."

"you don't meet a girl like that every dynasty."

"would you like to stay for dinner?"

"would you like to stay forever?"

[savage-rhi]

Wesker: Chris, really. Ask yourself a question. Even if you do manage to kill me, and destroy umbrella, what do you think you’ll really accomplish in the long run? Do you think BOW’s will end with us? That my ambitions will end with me?

Chris had seen his share of many hells. Being backstabbed by Wesker at the Mansion was one, and almost losing Jill to him was another. He spent a great deal of time healing, years of work repairing the emotional damages that had been done to him, and now he was tied up back to back with the son of a bitch himself.

The whole affair was stupid. Chris admitted to himself that he and Wesker had been too cocky for their own good, enough to where the deuteragonist on his mission was able to slip them a fast one. He couldn't believe he had fallen prey to his vengeance, not realizing who the more dangerous enemy had been this whole time.

Wesker cleared his throat, ignoring the blood that ran down his head. "Redfield, how are you faring? You've been too quiet."

"I was doing just fine until you spoke." Chris sighed, grunting as the rope around his waist tightened. He ignored the chuckle that escaped from his nemesis.

"Our mutual friend sure saw you coming."

"No, no," Chris corrected, growling under his breath. "He saw you coming. We wouldn't be in this mess if you weren't involved in the first place."

"And we wouldn't be tied up right now if you kept your nose out of people's business," Wesker said as a matter of fact. "We've both made our mistakes, Chris. Now the question is, what will we do about it?"

"I'd prefer nothing because it beats working alongside you." Chris spat.

"You'd choose death so easily?"

"Not unless I could kill you after I'm untied."

"Chris, really?" Wesker sighed and winced when he felt Chris struggle against the rope, keeping them locked together. "Ask yourself this question. Even if you manage to kill me and destroy Umbrella, what will you accomplish in the long run? Do you think BOWs will end with us, that my ambitions will end with me?"

"I'm hopeful, but I'm not naive. I know killing you won't solve the problem at large," Chris countered, furrowing his brows as sweat and blood trickled down his lips. "But it would make me feel much better knowing there's one less bastard like you running around."

"Finally, something we have in common," Wesker smirked. "I know killing you won't stop your fellow Boy Scouts from trying to meddle with my affairs, but I could sleep easier."

"Touching," Chris muttered. "So what's your grand plan to make it happen? Neither of us will get what we want if tied up."

Wesker raised a brow, turning his head to the left to catch a small glimpse of Chris's face. "I thought you'd rather die than work together?"

Chris's shoulders tensed, knowing Wesker had him there, and he couldn't admit it. "Just enlighten me."

"Huh," Wesker hummed in thought before he grinned. "I never thought you'd ask. Well, in that case, I think we need to play to our weaknesses."

"Come again?"

"The stab wound you gave me," Wesker bitterly mentioned, biting in the side of his lip before continuing. "I'm not dying, but our friend doesn't know that. If you can handle the weight, I can play dead. His lackeys are bound to see that on the cameras and come rushing. Remember, we're both no good to him if killed. You and I will strike once the enemy is lured into a false sense of security. Then we can continue our personal grievances elsewhere unless, of course, you'd prefer working with me for a bit longer to take down our friend who tied us up in the first place."

Chris mulled over Wesker's words for a moment. In the grand scheme of things, the idea was stupid, but he did have a point. Their lives were both worth something to their adversary. They could only enter negotiations with the BSAA if Chris were alive, and they couldn't access the classified BOW documents in the facility without Wesker's brains at the helm.

"Y'know," Chris swallowed, letting out a laugh. "Playing dead is probably one of the most sane things you've suggested."

Wesker scoffed, shaking his head before he grinned. "I see we agree with the plan then."

"Let's get this over with," Chris whispered. He braced himself as Wesker went through the motions, feigning he had lost consciousness. Chris fell to his knees as Wesker became limp, letting out a pained grunt. Sure enough, as Wesker foretold, the sound of quick feet came marching in their direction, soldiers barking orders, worried that one of their captives was deceased.

Son of a bitch was right...Chris shook his head. Wesker had put him through many hells, but this one time in silence, he'd admit this was ingenious.

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[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Ikemen Sengoku (JP)

Kicho's Main Story Chapter 1 Part 2

Kicho's subordinate: "Lord Kicho, excuse me."

Kicho: "Yeah?"

The man who called him straightened his back as Kicho looked up from the document in his hand.

Kicho: "What do you want?"

Kicho's subordinate: "A new servant is coming to work at the trading post."

Kicho's subordinate: "She's from the countryside. I have all the information here."

Kicho: "I see. Put it there."

Kicho's subordinate: "Yes, sir."

The man bowed and placed the papers on the table in front of Kicho.

Kicho's subordinate: "Lord Kicho. The other day, the two spies seemed to have disappeared."

Kicho: "Yeah. I already received the report."

Kicho's subordinate: "Is this woman all right?"

Kicho: "Even if she's a spy, she won't pose much of a threat."

Kicho: "Those two guys couldn't even prevent the attack on Azuchi Castle the other day."

Kicho: "No matter how hard they try, they can't screw up my plans."

Kicho's subordinate: "Yes, sir."

The man bowed deeply and left the room.

Alone in the room again, Kicho looked at the papers in front of him.

Kicho: "Mai, huh?"

Kicho: "There won't be any problems. If you get in my way, I'll just have to dispose of you."

Mai: "The water is clear and beautiful, and there are lots of fish."

(If we catch some, maybe we can have it for dinner tonight and maybe do some camping.)

Mitsuhide: "Mai."

(But how can I start a fire? There's no such thing as lighters in this era.)

(I used to take it for granted, but that thing was really useful.)

Mitsuhide: "Oh? Are these ears of yours just for decoration?"

Mai: "Waaah!"

Suddenly, someone lightly tugged my ears, making my heart jump.

Mai: "Mitsuhide! What the heck are you doing all of a sudden!?"

Mitsuhide: "You were looking at the river and didn't seem to hear what I was saying."

Mitsuhide: "I just wanted to make sure these ears weren't fake."

Mai: "They're real, you know!"

Mitsuhide: "Good. Come on, let's continue our morning study."

Mai: "What? I thought we were taking a break at the river?"

Mitsuhide: "We're taking a break from the horseback riding lesson. You need to use your head while your body rests."

Mai: "Ugh!"

It was only a few days ago that I told them that I was going to visit Kicho as a spy.

Reactions were mixed: some were concerned, while others burst out laughing.

They also raised some concerns about whether I would really be of any use, but surprisingly, Mitsuhide said in front of everyone that he would accompany me and teach me along the way.

(I was also worried because I said I would go on a spur-of-the-moment decision, that's why I was relieved to hear Mitsuhide's words.)

Mitsuhide: "Maybe I should check if that head of yours is fake, too."

Mai: "S-Sorry! Please continue!"

(I didn't expect this kind of Spartan lesson.)

Mitsuhide gave me lectures in the morning, horseback riding while traveling, and self-defense in the evening and at night.

And what we are about to start was a continuation of the morning's lecture.

(That's how little time I have.)

(I can't be weak since I'm the one who brought this up.)

As I straightened my posture, Mitsuhide began to arrange the colored stones he had found on the riverbank on a large rock nearby.

(Let's see, this is Kenshin Uesugi, Shingen Takeda, and Kennyo.)

As I watched his hand move swiftly, I recalled the names of the people mentioned in the lecture.

Kenshin Uesugi and Shingen Takeda, rumored to be dead, were said to be alive and working together.

(I think Sasuke is working with those guys.)

(He told me on the night of the Honnoji Incident that they were alive, but I didn't tell anyone because it would look suspicious that a woman who suddenly appeared out of nowhere had all kinds of information.)

It was also discovered that the culprit behind the Honnoji incident was a man named Kennyo.

(I think that guy is a monk. We met in the forest that night, so I talked to Mitsuhide about him.)

(I had my suspicions that he looked like the person who attacked Nobunaga, but I had no idea he was the mastermind.)

It looked like they were not making any major moves at this point. However, if they clashed with each other, it would turn into a big war.

Mitsuhide also told me a lot about the situation here, saying I should remember a few things.

Mitsuhide: "And this is where you're headed."

Finally, he put down the stone with a thump.

Mitsuhide: "Sakai. It's a port town facing the sea where foreign merchant ships come."

Mitsuhide: "He's in a foreign trading post in Sakai."

Mai: "So, Kicho is there."

The sound of the stream faded away as I stared at the shiny white stone.

Mai: "Um, is there anything else?"

Mitsuhide: "Anything else?"

Mai: "About Kicho. Something that could tell me about his personality."

Mai: "You guys were originally friends, right?"

Mitsuhide: "Let's see."

Mitsuhide ran his fingertips over his lips thoughtfully.

Mitsuhide: "That man is my cousin."

Mai: "What!? So you knew him before he came to the Oda army?"

Mitsuhide: "Well, I wonder about that."

Mitsuhide: "Seeing is believing, as they say. Why don't you see it for yourself?"

Mai: "But一!"

Mitsuhide: "Let's move on now. Break's over."

He left a gentle smile and quickly walked away.

(Yeah, I'm curious, but it can't be helped. I'll put that aside for now.)

(If I think about anything else, I'll get knocked off that horse again.)

And after a few days of building a trusting relationship with the horse while undergoing his Spartan training一

(I'm finally here!)

As I felt every muscle in my body tremble, I hugged my bag and wandered through the town of Sakai.

We didn't know where Kicho's men were, so Mitsuhide and I decided to part ways shortly before entering the town.

(Now that I'm here, it means I'm already in hostile territory.)

(Anyway, I need to get to the trading post. Let's see. I think this is the way to get there.)

Mai: "Hmm?"

Suddenly, I noticed there was a commotion around me. The next thing I knew, lively music was playing, making me turn my head in the sound's direction.

(Are those people in flashy outfits dancers? It looks like a parade.)

Mai: "Whoa!"

Perhaps trying to clear a path for the group, everyone suddenly moved backward.

My legs, still screaming from exhaustion, wobbled, causing me to fall like a domino straight into someone else.

???: "............."

Mai: "Crap. S-Sorry!"

I quickly moved away and bowed my head, but he didn't respond, making me anxious, so I quietly peeked at his expression.

(-----!)

His face was emotionless, like a Noh mask.

Only his hazel-green eyes, framed by dark circles, shone brightly.

(He's so pretty.)

(Wait, this is not the time to gawk!)

Realizing that it was rude to stare at him, I decided to speak up.

Mai: “Are you hurt!?”

???: “I’m fine. Are you all right?”

Mai: “Yes, I just tripped a little.”

Mai: “You actually saved me.”

(If it weren’t for this guy, I would’ve faceplanted on the ground.)

???: “I see. That group always passed by in the afternoon. You should remember that.”

(So, around 12 o’clock in the afternoon.)

Mai: “Got it. Thank you very much.”

Mai: “Um, are you familiar with this town?”

???: “Yeah. I do business here.”

(Good to know!)

Mai: “Actually, I’m looking for a trading post around here.”

Mai: “Do you know anything about it? Any rumors spreading around town?”

???: “Oh? What exactly do you want to know?”

Mai: “Well, let’s see...”

Mai: “What kind of guy is the head of that trading post?”

???: “What kind of guy? Are you interested in his personality? Do you have a business meeting scheduled later?”

???: “You don’t look like a merchant. Or do you have some other purpose?”

(Damn it, am I being suspicious already?)

I felt his gaze sharpen slightly, and I hurriedly shook my head.

Mai: "No, I'm not a merchant. I'm just a simple country girl!"

Mai: "I'm supposed to start my apprenticeship there today, but I'm a little nervous because I don't know what to expect."

???: "I see."

He listened to me and squinted his beautiful eyes.

???: "What's your name?"

Mai: "My name is Mai."

???: "I see. Then Mai, let's go."

Mai: "Excuse me?"

???: "I couldn't give you information, but I can guide you to the trading post."

Mai: "Are you sure?"

???: "Yes. I was just on my way there."

(Maybe he's a business partner or something.)

(At any rate, I'm glad I met this guy.)

My heart was still beating fast from nervousness, but I thought I got off to a pretty good start.

Feeling a little positive, I followed his back as his white cloak fluttered through the crowd.

He showed me around the Japanese-Western-style trading post and led me to the entrance lined with equally maintained shrubs.

Opening the wooden door, he beckoned me inside.

???: "This way."

Mai: "Okay, thanks."

(Ugh, I'm so nervous.)

I sat down on the sofa, feeling restless.

(Is this a guest room?)

The luxurious interior of the room, just like the outside, was in Japanese-Western style, with unique-looking furniture.

(This guy is amazing. He's totally at home in this room.)

(He didn't get lost at all. He looks like he's used to this place.)

The way he leaned back on the sofa with his legs lightly crossed was very graceful and elegant.

It was not surprising that he had connections with this trading post.

Mai: "Thank you for showing me the way here."

Mai: "I think I'll stay outside since I don't think it's a good idea for a servant to wait in here."

???: "No problem. You're here for the manager, right?"

Mai: "Yes, but don't you have a business meeting with him first?"

???: "I don't remember ever saying that. And I don't recall ever telling you my name."

(Oh.my.god.)

Kicho: "My name is Kicho. I'm the head of this trading post."

Mai: "-----!"

My whole body tensed up.

(This is the guy.)

(The mastermind behind the attack and our enemy!)

I was unable to say anything as Kicho quietly observed me with his purplish black hair slightly swaying.

He was looking at me with eyes that were trying to uncover everything.

(I have to say something. If he gets suspicious, I'm done for.)

(In the first place, I didn't reveal anything.)

With my head still in a mess, I desperately breathed in and一

Mai: "I'm so sorry!"

I bowed my head as best I could while I stood up from the sofa.

Mai: "I didn't know you were the boss."

Mai: "I'm really sorry if I said something that might have offended you and for treating you so casually."

Mai: "Please don't fire me!"

Kicho: "Raise your head. I will do no such thing."

Kicho: "You told me yourself you were a servant here, but I was the one who didn't give you my name."

I was relieved to hear Kicho's words back.

(He's very discreet with people he's never met before.)

(It's probably a good thing I didn't know him. Otherwise, I might have unintentionally said something stupid.)

Kicho: "Is all your stuff in that one bundle you're carrying?"

Mai: "Yes."

Kicho: "Then wait here for a moment. I'll call someone else to guide you."

Kicho: "You don't have to do anything today, just go to your room and rest."

As he said this, he stood up.

Kicho's subordinate: "Excuse me."

A man entered the guest room.

Kicho: "Have they arrived?"

Kicho's subordinate: "Yes. Should I escort them here?"

Kicho: "No, I'll go there myself. To thank them for their hospitality the other day, I've prepared some souvenirs for them."

Kicho's subordinate: "Yes, I'll bring it now."

His subordinate thanked him and quickly left the room.

Mai: "Um, where are you going?"

Kicho: "The port. There's a merchant ship coming from England."

Mai: "That's pretty far."

(I'm pretty sure it's the UK.)

Kicho: "You know about it? It's a small country, but I didn't realize the name had made its way to a village in the countryside."

Mai: "Um, that's not where I heard it. I studied a bit after I decided to work here since I'm not that smart."

(I didn't learn about England from Mitsuhide, but I need to lie.)

Mai: "You said I don't have to do anything today, so can I go with you? I promise I won't get in your way."

Mai: "I've never seen a big ship before."

Kicho: ".............."

I tried smiling a little sadly to emphasize my interest in the ship as Kicho stared at me blankly.

Kicho: “All right, you have my permission. The ‘big ship’ you’re referring to is called a galleon.”

Kicho: “If you come with me, stay by my side the whole time.”

Kicho: “If you make any suspicious move around the ships, I'll shoot you.”

Mai: “That’s a bit dangerous.”

Kicho: “I don’t want it to fall into other people’s hands. It’s a pretty rare flintlock gun, after all.”

(Flintlock gun!?)

I stopped thinking for a moment after hearing the weapon’s name.

The next moment, unable to stand still, I stood in front of him.

Mai: “Wait a minute. Are you going to pick some weapons now!?”

Kicho: “Yes. Is there a problem?”

Mai: “Yes! Because those weapons will end up in someone else’s hands again.”

Mai: “If you do that, it’ll make Japan even crazier.”

(Talking back might make me look suspicious, but I can’t just keep my mouth shut.)

Mai: “Right before I came here, I saw a place that was dear to someone get cruelly destroyed.”

Mai: “I think conflicts will happen if more people get their hands on weapons.”

Kicho: “That is my goal.”

Kicho: “I’ll incite the forces of various regions and disturb Japan. This trading post is for that purpose.”

(He said those things without a hint of hesitation.)

Mai: “A lot of people are going to die.”

Kicho: “…………..”

Kicho: “It’s a necessary sacrifice.”

He said it quietly and clearly.

He looked at me as if he was searching for something, making it impossible for me to say anything.

Kicho: "Move. Don't get in my way."

(No. If I push back here, he'll kick me out of the trading post.)

(My goal is not to stop him right now.)

Mai: "Okay."

Making excuses in my head as if they were valid reasons, I gently put my arm down.

He didn't say anything more, either. He just glanced at me coldly and walked out of the room.

Anyway, this was how my life as a spy began.

It started so poorly that I even resented the sunny sky.

Previous╏Next (Mai's POV)╏(Kicho's POV)

[thelov3lybookworm]

When Shadows Ward Off Darkness (Part 5)

Chapter 5

Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Summary: Gwyn gets assigned a mission.

•○●⛦●○•

A/n: so, things are picking up now, and the prologue is supposed to happen after this part!

I enjoyed writing this part very much, hope you enjoy reading it ❣️

•○🌑○•

Being summoned was one of the worst feelings ever, Gwyn had decided.

As she moved along the corridors to her mother's chambers with the elegance required of every mermaid, she thought back on everything she had done in the past month that would lead to being summoned.

Could it be that Gwyn left to meet with Azriel a little too much and her mother was tired of it? Gwyn had heard that it was forbidden to interact with anyone who was not a part of her mother's domain. But her mother had allowed Gwyn to continue meeting and spending time with Azriel.

Or maybe it was how Gwyn didn't care for court nobilities. Gwyn knew she could get chided over her lack of reverence when it came to any breathing thing except for animals, but she had hoped it would not be a thing of nuisance to anyone.

Or maybe it was the way she liked to mingle with the people of the underwater kingdom and not act like her royal mother, only occasionally waving or offering a smile to the people.

Catrin had taken to the rules and regulations to being a princess flawlessly, but Gwyn always balked at the stupidity of them all.

Whatever her mother was going to scold her for, Gwyn hoped it was nothing too severe.

So lost in thought, Gwyn only realised she had reached her mother's chambers when she was right in front of the massive, carved doors.

She took a deep breath, trying in vain to squash her nerves, and nodded at the mermen standing next to the doors, who bowed their head and opened the doors for her.

The moment Gwyn swam inside, a feeling of admiration took over Gwyn for the just and loving ruler who had birthed her and her sister.

The chambers were vast, easily spanning the amount of space a noble's home would occupy on the land.

Decorated with colourful sea shells, plants and rocks, the place was breath-taking to say the least.

Gwyn's eyes found the queen's, who smiled warmly at her daughter while beckoning her closer.

"How have you been, daughter? Did you see the seahorses this morning?"

Gwyn had taken to adoring the amount of wildlife around the palace, a group of seahorses becoming her favourite. They passed by the same route every morning, ad Gwyn had to be present when they did.

"Yes, mother." Gwyn smiled back.

"That is great. Do you know why I called you here today, Gwyn?"

There it was. Gwyn swallowed, her smile wobbling. "No, mother."

The queen placed a warm, comforting hand on Gwyn's shoulder. "There is no need to worry, Gwyn. I have not summoned you here to scold you for anything."

Gwyn smiled sheepishly, ducking her head a little. "Then what is the matter?"

Gwyn's mother sighed. "I… I will not beat the dead seahorse, Gwyn... or whatever it is that humans say. There has been some unrest going around in the underwater realm these days. I believe your uncle has told you about the male dominated part of the realm, consisting of all that scorn our Goddess?"

Gwyn nodded, concern spreading through her at the resignation and sadness in her mother's tone.

"They have begun creating riot in some of the parts of our kingdom nearer to theirs, and we have tried our best to diffuse the tension before it escalates to anything uncontrollable, but we have not seen much success." She settled on a rock nearby with a sigh, patting the space next to her for Gwyn, who sat down next to her mother as she continued. "A day ago, the king sent us an offer, having somehow found out about the existence of Catrin and you."

Gwyn knew whatever this offer was, she would not like it. The feeling in her stomach was… unpleasant, for the lack of a better word. "And? What was the… offer?"

Her mother gave her a helpless look. "I want you to know that I am strongly against this offer, and I am willing to do anything to stay clear of them. But… there is not much I can do in this scenario." A heavy, resigned and sorrowful sigh left her at that. "The king has two sons, and has said that if we want our kingdom to be safe from theirs, I must marry you and Catrin to his sons. He currently has his armies and soldiers on the border, ready to move at a moment's notice, and our guards have informed us that there's more soldiers than we can take in combat."

Gwyn's blood chilled, a numbness spreading through her.

"And… you are telling me this so I can tell Catrin about it?"

She shook her head, gently taking Gwyn's hand in her own, weathered hands.

"I am telling you this is because I see a way out of this without marrying you to the princes."

Gwyn's heart lifted. "And that is?"

"Your human prince."

Gwyn blinked. "What does he have anything to do with this?"

"He can be a vital piece in this war. To keep the outsiders away, we must make an alliance with the human king. That is the only way we can get out of this situation."

Gwyn waited, and her mother, realising Gwyn was not going to say anything, continued.

"I will need you to go and ask him to persuade his father, the king, to ally with us. The people of the underwater realm are wary of the people living on land, and try not to be associated with the them, because they are too cunning for their own good. As soon as we are allied with them, I am sure that the enemy will leave us alone."

"I- I don't know if the king will agree though."

Her mother's eyes were pleading, and Gwyn's determination to help began to grow. "There is no other way, Gwyn. It is either we ally with the human's, or the enemy, and I would rather not see you and Catrin in hands such as theirs."

After a moment, Gwyn nodded. "I will try. He might not agree, but there is no harm in trying."

"Thank you, my daughter." Her mother clutched both of Gwyn's hands with her own, and Gwyn tried to smile.

Gwyn stood, bowing her head in deference before making her way to the door.

Just before she left, though, she turned back, finding her mother staring sadly at her, though something akin to pride shone in her eyes. "And I want you to know, mother, that if this attempt fails, I am ready to do whatever it takes to help. Even if I have to marry those princes."

"Then let us hope it doesn't come to that."

Wit that, Gwyn began her journey to the human lands, her heart heavy with resolve.

•○🌑○•

Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686 @cassie6392 @bibliophiliaxvignette

[pepperycar]

“On the loose!” Chapter 8: The Star spirits mercy -part 1

Peach and Toad were at first surprised by this, but then they realised Star Spirits May not exist in Brooklyn or the rest of the bros world. Toad finally spoke up, trying not to cry and speak clearly “They’re- they’re protectors of our world from above. They’re the ones who let wishes rest on Star Hill to let people’s wishes be granted.. they’re highly respected and VERY powerful, me and the Princess were praying they’d have mercy on him but.....” Toad trailed off as he noticed Mario’s skin grow paler and paler. Luigi pressed his forehead to Mario’s still tearful “I.. I got him.. killed..” as soon as Luigi said those words, he felt a pain in his chest, Toad behind him gently rubbing circles in his back “he saved my life.. and didn’t even know it..” he let out a choked sob as he cuddled his older brothers cold, dead body in his arms before he started to hum a little lullaby, with him gently massaging Mario’s scalp “you’re the one who understands.. the scars who made me who I am. Through the drifting sands of time, I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine.. and if you should ever bare a heavy load, I’ll-I’ll be the wheels I’ll be the road.. I’ll see us through, through thick an-and t-thin.. through love.. and loss.. until the end..” Luigi pressed a kiss to Mario’s forehead before continuing “yeah you carried me with you.. f-from the h-highest of the peaks, to the darkn-ness of the bl-blue, I was just to blind to see.. like the stars in the sky, you were always guiding me, yeah.. it’s true..... you. carried. me. with. you.....” Luigi pulled him closer, holding tighter while burying his face into the crook of his neck, letting his tears fall freely. “You know..” Luigi sobbed “when we were starting our plumbing business.. Mario said that no matter what happens.. it’ll be okay because nothing could hurt us as long as we were together.. and that my love and support was enough.. but it clearly was too much.. my love for him got him killed, and when we were together, side by side.. I shouldn’t have begged to help with Bowser.. I just so desperately wanted to prove that I could be brave like him.. if he went on his own.. it would’ve-SHOULD’VE been me!” Luigi felt Peach and Toad wrap their arms around him, he then realised how much he was shaking. “Hello Princess Peach.” Said an echoey voice, Luigi jolted in surprise as he looked up to see.. stars. Seven of them, Sentient stars, though not like Lumalee, these were yellow, more straightened and even points as opposed to Lumalee, the biggest star in the middle had wrinkles and a big bushy white moustache. “Eldstar!” Peach cried as she and Toad bowed to them. Luigi remained in shock “we don’t often get wishes from royals.” Said Eldstar “however, we’d be honoured to help such a kind and loving Princess.” He Said as he bowed to her, the other six stars copying him. Luigi shot his head up “R-really?!” Luigi blubbered, now no longer caring or judging the presence and power of these star creatures “I-I’ll help! I’ll do anything!” Luigi cried “no need for that.” Said Eldstar “you all have done a great service to us time and time again, stopping that tyrant Bowser. It’s the least we could do! but..” he trialed off as he examined Mario, his heart exposed through the broken skin, literally broken with a huge gash going through it, blood and stained bits of purple soaking his chest, Eldstar hummed in thought “we may have enough power to fix his injuries, but weather he will wake up.. we can only hope.” “Do what you must!” Peach cried as tears fell down her cheeks. Eldstar nodded and signaled to the other six to gather around him, Luigi hesitantly laid him down before them, they all closed their eyes and started to hum. Soon a bright white light formed over Mario’s body and after a few tense seconds the light faded, leaving the Stars panting, visibly exhausted from using all that power. Luigi looked down, Mario’s body was completely healed but remained motionless, Luigi pressed his ear to his chest, not daring to hope.. nothing.. there was nothing.. Luigi gasped and felt his heart squeezing tight.

-To be continued.

Song from Pixar’s “Onward”

[sunflower1experiment]

“Master!”

Everyone bowed, well except you. You kneeled, then got up seeing as you were the captive.

“My children, I sense a presence. Who is this?”

“None of your business that’s what.” Venom seethed through your voice and the Hashira’s glares at you.

“Eh? You all wanna be angry at me? Ya should’ve been angry when I was a kid. Your master should’ve been there when I was little. Now he has you useless goons.” A sneer leaves your lips, “I ain’t spittin on em, disrespectful as hell but I do have this to say.”

You stare dead at him. “Why didn’t you come to save me when I needed you!? Was killing humans not on your agenda!? Why didn’t you just kill me!?”

The male’s gaze softens, and he lifts his hand. “Dear..I sense you recognize me, and yet we’ve never met.” A shock look rests on your face. “What do you mean!?” You grit your teeth.

“That’s enough out of you! Why did you attack one of our own.”

“SHUT IT SCAR FACE!” You pant, “I wasted so long searching for one of you and I’m met with disappointment!? All I asked is that you killed me! Was that to much!? Was I to good for you!? Y’all call yourselves heroes!?”

“If that’s the case.” A man stands up, lifting his weapon, “I can end your misery right now.”

“….Y-You would?”

“What’s the matter? No sense in being afraid-“ you kneel. “Please…let me join my loved ones..” the male stares.

Your eyes water, the fresh tears cascade down your face. “You all disappointed me before. I killed everyone in that damned village. None of you even realized they were killing each other, sending us off to demons.. I lost my precious one because of them. And if I just stay around longer…I’ll be stuck in this damned limbo of pain.”

“What exactly is it that your people do?”

Your eyes look up, “…..Your Vital points are your shoulders and ears. My people were able to see vital points within the human body and cut them.” It shocks a few for how easily you read the male.

“Tengen?”

The male sheaths his swords. “They’re right.”

“Why would someone as valuable as you want to die?”

“Because only the women there could do that! My mother was the few who could and it led to men desperately using her to find ways to kill others, control people and even worse. We were targets.” You grip the pebbles. “I was born, my little sister. She had a husband and of course folks were naive to try to force women like her to marry!”

“Those idiots didn’t realize once the husband died she goes self destructive. Or she’d persevere the body for experiments, they loved each other dearly and she died cuz of everyone’s foolishness….all you idiots had to do was kill me so it’d end. I don’t have him with me…he’s outta my eye sight.”

“So why not live?”you look up and a girl aims her gaze elsewhere, “You can’t just give up because someone else isn’t there…and you’re not very dangerous…”

“D-Don’t tell me what I am! You don’t even know me.”

“Well so far from your story you just sound like a tragic person who won’t even try to make do with their skills-“

You grip your pants, “This is why I’d rather be killed by him…that one Hashira…with beautiful scarlet dark hair…he had a gaze of determination and hatred towards me and yet. He never killed me. That boy could’ve done it. And yet you all let him leave.”

“Tanjiro cannot kill you dear.” Everyone watched as you shut your eyes, “…..You may stay here if you need to but I must ask you. How did you survive so long? Demons can’t be killed without swords.”

“Don’t need a sword when you cut the middle of their heads and necks…it releases a pressure of pain that lets their deaths be peaceful. As if demons actually escape the mind…”

—

I consider this a preview of my story. Some changes will obviously be made but yea so far I like where it’s going

[kobblefort]

Rushsly: Into the Depths 2

Clean-up time starts with the retooling of our marksbold squad, and on the plus side, we get a bunch of steel and iron back, if the kobbles can be persuaded to actually give up their bows. We sort of just let the caged ratfolk sit in the trap hallway and think about what they've done for now. Are we really going to kill them? well I mean probably, right, they killed some of our birds. I love birds. Blood will be repaid in blood and all that. In the real world I actually really like rats, but I hate mice - rats are basically dog software running on rodent hardware, but mice are skittering little freaks that will run into your room in the middle of the night literally just to suddenly roll over and die on the fucking floor. I do not live in a place with mice anymore and I hope to never have to deal with mice again (and I do everything in my power to make any environment I reside in completely inhospitable for them) but when I had to deal with mice they made me so violently angry that, had I ever owned a firearm, I would have just started fucking blasting. I know I'd probably miss, they're upsettingly fast and have the devil's luck. But it's the principle of the matter. However, in the greatest simulation game of all time Dwarf Fortress I really quite detest these ratfolk, especially because whenever they're spotted it plays a really fucking loud and scary alert sound. I ultimately want to do something funnier than "just dropping them down a pit" but worst comes to worst I am not at all opposed to "just dropping them down a pit." Forcing them to scout the cavern for me could be useful, but sounds inefficient and risks their necromancer turning some actually powerful monsters to their side. Digging a little "arena" for captured invaders to amuse the kobbles is another idea that feels at least worth considering, but I don't know how much the kobbles would actually like that. Well, we're in no hurry.

Alsrta, our caravan voice, is suddenly elected clan leader by the kobbles, requiring the construction of some new lodgings for her. Something I forgot to mention is that, besides the triplets she had while drunk, she had a fourth child, a peasant. When I try to click over to them in her "Relations" tab...

...it turns out he was the peasant crunched up in the bridge by the first were-beast attack. Uhh, fuck, sorry dude. In spite of it all, she's actually in the best possible mood. Maybe it's just the bump from getting elected, but she hasn't showed up on my radar of "kobbles in shitty moods" at all. I'll admit it's a pretty low-quality radar, and I am a pretty low-quality radar operator, but like it's there, and she hasn't really pinged on it.

Checking a random engraving in her room reveals that the kobbles worship a deity of deformity, disease and death named "Tulrac Dungsgalls." That's so fucking metal

On the other side of the spectrum, our most unhappy kobble is Zil Dentedleaks, who doesn't seem to actually be having a very bad time or any serious current issues. I mean like sorry about the trauma and shit but pretty much everyone has that at this point.

Speaking of trauma, the first bird tower gets its windows, but nobody particularly wants to get this dead peachick out of it, so uhh... I guess it's staying... This isn't related but just now at 288 hours of playtime on the Steam release I have just fucking now figured out how to get my kobbles to gather fruit. People have told me "you're so smart" for a lot of my life and I've always been dumbfounded by that, because if they saw how many obvious and simple things I miss they would probably not say that. I'm not sure what causes me to make problems 1000x more complicated in my head than they actually are but I've basically always been that way, I could read before I could tie my shoes, I can grasp the theoretical stuff in algebra just fine but actual basic arithmetic like making change is completely impossible to me, and when I play puzzle games I often flounder around trying absurdly overcomplicated solutions for entirely too long because some part of me just does not believe the solution can be simple and so unconsciously overlooks the most basic and obvious options. I don't know if this is an autism thing or what - yes I am autistic if you somehow couldn't tell - but it has made my life impossibly frustrating at times. You should see me play Zachtronics games, I like them but the kind of solutions I come up with on my first pass are fucking efficiency nightmares.

I like that this gets announced via the combat log for some reason, lol. Relax lil buddy we have literally no interest in any facet of your existence. We're just building some bird windows. The bird towers all have windows now and I find myself suddenly wondering if we'd have been able to just wall them in and carve fortifications, but oh well. Glass is free, baby!!!

Steel is most assuredly not free, but we have it now, and besides some iron pieces they've grown attached to, all the kobbles get some sweet-ass upgrades. There's also been some more personnel shuffling...

Kody, Ris, and Iltos were all in terrible moods, so I figured we might as well give them positions of authority, because, well, I don't know. I don't know what my reasoning was there. Zil was also made into the first squadron leader basically just as a lark.

Huge day for it/its bitches. No gender no problem. Well actually they're all fucking miserable. Agender, aproblem. A man, a plan, a canal: Paizuri! Uhh, wait, that's not quite right. Panama. Not paizuri. But whatever. You can't win them all. Sometimes you do everything right and you just lose anyway. Sometimes the person who goes through your entire 3 year history of Instagram posts and makes you really feel actually special and not just like another little bug in the world and makes you realize you're perfectly able to thrive in a polyamorous relationship isn't actually polyamorous and just wanted to enlist someone to tank a bit of emotional abuse from their clingy obsessive self-deprecating and wildly insecure partner. But I said I wasn't going to talk about David Cage. When success is impossible, what's important is to fail in fun and interesting ways.

Continuing the trend of boring artifacts, Roron Lastmelt creates a sheep wool cap with absolutely no distinguishing features.

Again, huge day for it/its bitches.

Moods are bad enough to make me consider building a mist generator, but I'm probably not going to for two reasons. First of all, levitating water around all willy-nilly like that can do some serious damage to the framerate, and it's already starting to struggle a bit outdoors even at just 50 kobbles. Second, it just sort of feels like cheating, and I understand that this seems insane considering I literally cheated to make the magma furnaces and wells, but I am literally dialing the difficulty level to my exact desired specifications and if you can't appreciate that I don't know what to tell you. Not having to run up and down 100 z-levels to make metal stuff, good. Putting kobbles in perfect moods for basically free after 5 mins of investment, bad. That's the game at least it's the way I see it you're free to see it some other way. You don't like how I play it's only like $30 on Steam and the ASCII version is literally free. Sorry I keep getting defensive, I just really need to win the argument against the demons that detract from everything I do residing inside my own head.

While the thought occurred to just gift them to the visiting Dwarven traders, it was ultimately decided to just throw the ratfolk prisoners (and their undead dog) in the dungeon and have them stripped of all their weapons and armor. And suddenly I decide, you know what, it would be funny to force them to fight in an arena, but just as I start digging one out:

Hey remember how I said we'd be fine as long as no forgotten beasts who can fly don't show up? Ok well something really funny just happened.

It must've smelled kobble blood, because it heads straight for the exit of the caverns, where I immediately stationed both squadrons. Unfortunately, it sunk its teeth into a civilian before they were able to stop it.

Susle loses an entire fucking foot, but under the full might of our expertly-trained steel-armored kobble army, the forgotten beast Murlu is not long for this world.

As the kobbles pile on, the beast is barely able to retaliate, and Ace Steel wins the killing blow, slicing the monster's head clean from its body. While she may have started out as kind of a mean-spirited joke about pro wrestling, she has won a great victory today. And so, she deserves a slightly less stupid title, even if I'm going to keep the name.

Shislik "Ace Steel" Trimgleeful - the Beast Slayer. Hell of a first kill to put on the record

Interestingly enough, the corpse is spattered with some ratfolk blood it must have spilled on the way here - too bad the enemy of your enemy really isn't your friend. It's a catchy saying, but sometimes the enemy of your enemy is also your enemy. Sometimes trying to see things in binaries will get you into real bad fucked up situations. But we are most assuredly out of this particular real bad fucked up situation.

I think the entire military has earned themselves a little vacation, at least for a time. Even Zil's mood has improved from the victory, though Ris is still in the absolute worst possible mood - his work is just about to begin. Or... well... it should be?

Susle basically refused bedrest, and while he's still faint, he only laid down long enough to be evaluated and given a crutch, then immediately got up and went to get drunk and have a bath. He headed back to the site of the battle to pick up the sock and shoe that once belonged to his now-dismembered foot and put them away in his bedroom cabinet, in case he ever needs them again or something, and now just wanders. We'll have to check back in on him later, but for now...

We're making progress on our second tavern and the ratfolk arena. The randomly generated name The Tooth of Midnight is very fucking cool and appropriate, and in just a bit we'll be able to toss the rat bastards down that hole to duke it out with whatever other nasties we can capture. The necromancer might just need to take a magma bath, though, I don't like thinking about the kind of cascade he could cause with those powers. Everyone else, though? Well they came here looking for a fight, and damnit they're going to get one - but we're keeping their weapons and armor, lol.

But that will all happen later, because I am being asked to play FPS games with my Gang, and would never deign to Leave my Gang Hanging, even if it means having to peel myself away from the greatest simulation game of all time Dwarf Fortress for a few hours. So that's all for now, next time we'll throw some rats down a big hole.

Oh, real quick before I go, I just got psychically assaulted by the thought "PawgChamp" and I'm dumping it on you instead of making my friends have to hear it. Sorry! Bye

[emmedoesntdomath]

Okay so ik technically Graves is @newsiepedia ‘s OC

But do you have any hcs for him?

ah, graves (anyone else remember when we all seriously thought he was canon? good times) (yes, I did find this fandom in mid/late 2019. don’t judge me.) also, hitting me with the technicalities TWICE in one day? for shame.

a big part of the oc that is graves is how very enthusiastic he is about spot, and how not very enthusiastic he is about jack. well, as a fellow spot enthusiast and someone who rolls her eyes at half the things the cowboy does, I can relate. so! I present to you: emme’s complete bs headcanons about graves, our favorite brooklyn newsie!

(ok, @sparkedblaze, this might be where we edge past our hysteria and into our purely unhinged theories. it’s fine. we’re totally sane and rational human beings.)

graves got his name because he used to work as a grave digger, right? as one can imagine, you see some things and know things you probably never wanted to. one of the things graves learned pretty quickly was that you always, always, ALWAYS respect the dead, no matter who they were or what they did.

fun fact about jack kelly- he wasn’t always jack kelly. in fact, he hasn’t been jack kelly for most of his life. instead, he was francis sullivan, a young artist with big cowboy dreams and enough daddy issues to write a novel.

another fun fact- jack kelly didn’t always hold the proper respect for the dead. if he respected them in life, then sure, of course he wouldn’t insult their graves or their faults. but if he didn’t? forget it. if you were too rich, too successful, too arrogant, didn’t give enough back, didn’t provide any use to jack himself, then he would be spitting on your life like it was his own personal hobby.

graves HATED people like that.

spot conlon, though. there was a man who understood the delicate balance between life and lady death, and the reverence that came with that balance. for every life that was extinguished like a flickering candle, spot would bow his head, hands folded solemnly on his cane, and only murmur condolences, no matter who they were to him. one simply couldn’t distinguish if he hated or loved the deceased, and that was the way it was meant to be.

spot conlon respected the dead, and, in turn, graves respected him.

[stargazingfordreams]

A court of Night and Stars

Summary- Random killings have been happening all over Pythian and make its ways to a kingdom in the fae realm known as Mareen. Emrys grieves the loss of her sister and keeps her domain away from war, and she gets help from an unexpected ally.

Pairing- Adu!t Nyx x OC

Warning- None 

Chapter 1

Chapter two

Emrys Pov

I watched the night sky enjoying it as if it would be my last as a warm breeze flowed in. Midnight my familiar lay at my feet, his bright yellow eyes alert, and his black fur shined in the moonlight. I was at peace petting the spoiled panther before me until I heard a knock at my door.

“Princess?” Sujeed moved his head into my room.

“Yes, General Sujeed,” my voice couldn’t hide my annoyance. I just wanted tonight. I just wanted a minute to process what tomorrow might be like. This will not be my first war. Mareen hadn’t been a place of peace, but after the civil war, I thought this would be it.

“The watch for tonight will be changing now.” He said with a bow and smirk.

“You’ve never felt the need to tell me you would be standing guard before,”  I said to him.

“Oh no, it won’t be me but rest knowing that I put one of my best to guard for you tonight. I really came in here to talk to you.” He moved further into my room though the door was still open. I shifted in my seat on my window sill.

“I don’t think that we have anything to talk about,” I said to him.

“It’s about tomorrow. I want you to stay close, and if you see danger, please just run. I can protect you.” I scoffed and shook my head.

“You want me to run from a fight when my people are risking their lives,” I said

“I want to keep you safe,” he said. Coming closer. Midnight's eyes were fixed on him.

“Well then, I hate to disappoint you, but I won’t be doing that” I got up from the window sills and moved to my vanity. I picked up some hair oil in a bottle and started putting it in my hair, looking into my mirror and not at the general, who took it upon himself to come further into my room and close the door behind him; I stopped what I was doing to glare in his direction. Still, it seemed as though no matter how much he looked at me, he wasn’t seeing me.

“I don’t want this to be up for a discussion. Truly it shouldn’t be your safety that is best for all of us. If anything happens to the Kirsi or Sauna, then it will be you to take over the throne, and we can’t have you dead.” A nerve in me was being pushed at. He quickly forgot his place, and then a thought struck me.

“You spoke to my mother, haven't you? What did she tell you?” My tone was deadly, and he was wise to be worried. He straightened his back and took straight at me.

“When all is done, you are to be my wife, I look forward to that, Emrys, but that day won’t come if you are no longer here. But, please, for our sake, for the sake of life, we will have to stay away from danger” he took a step forward, but I took one back.

“I think it is time for you to leave.”

“Emrys, please I-“

“No, just leave,” I said, taking a threatening step toward him. Midnight was now up, eyeing him down. A challenge to try if he dared to disobey. He stepped back, took his last bow, and left through the door. When I was again by myself, I finished my hair for the night, went back to the window sill, and looked up at the stars. A million thoughts and emotions ran through my head, but none mattered, not right now, and it was just me and the night sky.

That night I was restless. I would close my eyes and want to sleep, yet that dream kept playing the same dream I had been having for months. The endless night sky, Music, Art, a bridge that crossed over water, and sometimes, on nights like this, I would see flashes of body parts, long dark hair, a woman’s smirk legs, and moaning. I never understood why I was having dreams of someone else’s pleasure, but they always ended the same, and that was with me staring at a mirror. I could not see the face, only the eyes, only the blue starry eyes.

My eyes slowly opened, and my mind and body came back together as I moved out of bed. The dream had already left my mind forgetting the eyes and the sky like it became a haze leaving me to not remember. Sometimes I try to remember whether their eyes were green or brown, at night or day, and that laugh was smooth or booming? I didn’t have time, though, to try and remember. It was early morning, but there was no light. The sun was breaking slowly in the sky while I put on my armor and fought maroon and gold leathers, the royal family's colors.

I had met the rest on the open field. My sister and I wore the same armor, and my mother wore all black, showing that she was still mourning. I had put my mask over my face, and my sister and I walked side by side with my mother as we met with what looked like the high lords of Prythian. I looked at all seven of then, and my face stopped at the only woman among their ranks.                           

“What is the meaning of this, Queen Kirsi? We have no problems nor want any of this for the people of Maureen.” A man with white hair and the ocean in his eyes said.

“There have been crimes committed against my people, and it is time that they are paid for with blood” my mother looked at the group of men before us and showed no fear.

“And do you plan on doing that by having children and women fight for you if it comes to war?” A man with brown hair and fire in his eyes said.

He motioned to my sister and me, standing next to my mother. I was smaller than most, and it seemed as though because of this, That arrogant man mistook me for a Child. I let a smirk appear on my face, but it was short-lived when I felt something shift beneath my feet.

Nyx Pov

We planned to meet on the Isle between the night court and Mareen. However, when we had gotten to the open field, the Maueenian queen and three others were already waiting. I straighten the appeal of my jacket and put my hands in my pocket. My mother and father are both at my side, along with Amren.

“Do you think it will come to a fight between the Mareenians and us?” I asked both of them

“The Mareenians are proud, ruthless people; I can’t see them backing down from this fight if it comes to that, but that is not why we are here though we all did bring reinforcements,” Amren said as we walked closer to the middle of the battlefield.

“Rhys, Do you think it’s wise to just walk into the open field like this” my mother followed in step with us.

“This isn’t like Hybren Feyre, darling; we have a chance to talk this out and hopefully avoid the bloodshed of thousands,” My father explained; we made it to the middle, standing in front of the Queen, a man who was the same height as me the second oldest daughter and a tiny warrior who was close to amen size their face was covered the only thing I notice was familiar pare of chocolate eyes that narrowed as it pierced through me I threw them a smirk. All of us took a slight bow.

“Your Grace, I am glad you have decided to meet with us here.” My father said Amren. However, she translated it into their language. I listen closely, seeing if I can piece together what they are saying. Unfortunately, I can't keep up with what they are saying.

“What is the meaning of this, Queen Kirsi? We have no problems nor want any of this for the people of Maureen.” High lord Tarquin had claimed

“The queen says that a great offense has been…..brought the death of her firstborn child” Amren tone was low.

“I am sorry for your loss, your grace. I can't begin to imagine what you must be feeling,” My mother said.

“And do you plan on doing that by having children and women fight for you if it comes to war?”Baron was next to open his arrogant mouth. I didn’t bother to hide my annoyance.

“I understand your loss, but-“ The small one dressed in a maroon stepped forward. I almost followed suit wanting to protect my family, But they held their hand up.

“She said to wait….” I stopped and listened although I heard nothing, I sensed nothing. The Female warrior bent down and felt the earth, closing her eyes and listening to it as if she was the only one who could hear it. In a split second, she jumped up, pushing my mother out of the way and putting a shield around us all, but she wasn’t fast enough. A stray arrow that would have hit my mother hit her arm instead, giving her a flesh wound.

“It was an ambush,” The queen said in a heavy accent.

“This wasn’t us; we swear by it,” Amren said

The Queen raised her hand, and the Mareenians army came down above the mountains, swarming the battlefield, but they weren’t met without force. The Illyrian armies rushed to the sky with arrows and swords. The other lords had their troops charging the area. The high lord of autumn drew his sword and lunged toward the queen with such speed and force that my eyes almost missed him, but the small soldier drew the hilt to their sword. It had no blade. I moved to stop them, but a blade made of lighting sprung for the handle and broke the sword in half. She smiled and swung again. I moved to push the girl out of the way because she didn’t see Eris sneaking his way behind her. So now it was our swords that crashed.

“Move out of my way, brute,” he said through his teeth.

“This doesn’t have to be a fight, Eris” he pushed off and rushed into what now looked like a battlefield sword crashing. Screams were echoing. The sounds of flesh being cut rang through my ears. And the sounds of my beating heart thumped with adrenaline. I looked at my mother and father, who were holding their own.

“Nyx! Get your mother and Amren out of here now!” He yelled over the sounds of the fight.

“What about you!” I fought my way to him.

“Do as you're told and go!” Finally, I made it to where my mother and Amren were. I fought the two men that were surrounding them. I held them both in my arms.

“Hang on. I’ll get us out of here.” I was about to take off when I saw the warrior from earlier fight off at least eight Barons men by herself, holding her still-injured arm; the injury she got protecting my mother.

“Mother takes Amren and gets out of here,” I said, heading toward where she was fighting.

“But your father said-“

“I know what he said, mother, but please go. I owe her this” her eyes went over to the warrior fighting for her life with the disadvantage of her injury.

“Be quick” I nodded off and ran to her. But in a moment, something hit the battlefield hard then mere force sent all of us flying. I caught her mid-air, hitting the ground and rolling with her in my arms. The blast's power sent us far away from the battlefield but for a brief moment, 

I saw him and Ranthain.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

You've been a thorn in my side for a long, long, long time now CoAD. A few screenshots of some things said in jest won't be enough to bring me down. Your blog has done nothing in the past few months apart from cause a few weak willed members to flee like the rats they are. Even though you've been trying to get into Shewp's head, he is far more resilient than a cretin like you gives him credit for.

The PCU is a -legion- and members are loyal. For every person that has left, more people have joined. CoAD will be too cowardly to post this, but know that the PCU is still growing stronger despite the claims made here. I want you to know that -I- like many others will very much be going down with the ship if you ever did happen to succeed (which you will not). You will never drive us from this server and we won't bow down by choice.

It will only be a matter of time before we find out who you and your editors. We know you have agents within the PCU as well, both old and new - they are being hunted within renewed effort and will be discovered and blacklisted for abetting you. You have had nothing more than a few 'minor' victories CoAD - the war is on going and there is only room for one of us in the future of Argent Dawn.

Hold on, let us get the 'how to deal with an internet tough guy' textbook.

Firstly, how is losing five guilds in four months doing for you? We found it rather funny that even after Grim Gest, Cleft of Shadow and Ardent Pursuit merged with their opposite faction counterpart ( We thought neutral RP was bad! ) These guilds have continued to lose numbers rather than gain them.

More on the PCU census soon actually, keep an eye open sports fans.

The PCU is anything but legion and loyal. Considering a majority of our contributions come from members or ex members disaffected with what is happening. A failed vanity project with its founder now actively trying to pull people off WoW. Guild leaders and officers repeatedly shown to engage in threats of violence and being sex pests. "THREE HUNDRED MEMBERS STRONG" is now barely down to about 30 active members at any major PCU event, the size of a normal guild.

Twenty five failed guilds, of which twenty have gone dead since Perroy fell off the radar last year. Your guild leaders are insulating themselves or outright abandoning ship. Vitsaus nervously stops advertising his guild as PCU in trade chat, all of your elf guilds have imploded spectacularly. Talirei(Azure Dawn), Lunarglade(Eternal Sisterhood) have ran off to make pseudo-PCU guilds with their loyal followers (The Sunspear and House Bemoux respectively). Even the nominal leader of the PCU, Gruggosh has made an insurance guild on the Alliance as the Sword of Triumph.

We fully expect the likes of you (either Coalburnt or a Grim Gang stooge writing this) to go down with the ship in emulation of your primary inspiration. Der Untergang of the PCU is already inescapable at this point and the whole server knows, we're just watching and waiting for the last rants of the PCU 'Endsieg' to whimper out.

So please, do continue showing yourselves to be the biggest clown convention Argent Dawn has ever known, please do continue to bully and harass your own members for non-compliance and ideological impurity. Please do continue to try and fail miserably at identifying 'big bad CoAD' and showing how much we live rent free in your heads. You only show the rest of us what kind of sick and demented people exist inside the PCU, so obsessed with image and control and unable to fathom people enjoying their hobby in a way they dislike.

[aishangotome]

Chapter 11-1 Soldiers Approach the City Walls (兵臨城下)

Chapter 10 Rumors

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Holding the bow, nocking the arrow, drawing the string, pulling back—

I tilted my head slightly, the bowstring in my hand now a crescent moon. Then, aiming, releasing—

The arrow left the string with a sharp twang, swift as lightning. In the next instant, the arrowhead plunged into the target, striking the red bullseye dead center.

Feng Yuan: Your archery skills have improved again, Princess.

Princess: I still need to refine them. On the battlefield, the enemy won't just stand still and wait for you to shoot them.

I set down the bow and arrow and dusted off my hands.

Princess: Has Han You arrived?

Feng Yuan: He has. According to the scouts' report, he is currently setting up camp thirty miles outside the city.

Dawn was just breaking, but the sky above Lingzhou was already filled with dark, oppressive clouds. Yesterday brought fresh snow, and today, Han You's Red Robe Army was at the gates.

I turned around and, not surprisingly, saw Ling Chi waiting at the edge of the training ground.

Feng Yuan: The Master said he has something important to discuss with you, Princess.

Princess: ...I know what he wants to say.

I walked over to the edge of the grounds. Ling Chi bowed, his face still as calm and deep as an ancient well, without a ripple of emotion.

Lingchi: Lingzhou lacks troops and experienced generals. Does the Princess have a plan to repel the enemy?

Princess: Victory in war is best achieved before the battle even begins. Unless there's no other choice, I also do not wish to engage in warfare.

Princess: As long as we can defend Lingzhou City and hold back Han You's army...he won't get what he wants. When reinforcements arrive, he will retreat.

Lingchi: The reinforcements are still on their way, and we don't know when they will arrive. Moreover, once the battle starts, there will inevitably be casualties.

Lingchi: If the Princess can awaken the Phoenix and make it reveal its true form, its cry will shake heaven and earth. Then, the people will surely believe that the Princess is the one chosen by destiny.

Lingchi: Emperor Gaozu was chosen by the Phoenix and, in just a dozen years, assembled a vast army and finally ascended to the throne. Even Han You will be wary of the Phoenix.

Princess: You're going to bring up that self-sacrifice thing again, aren't you? I won't do anything that will drain your life force. Besides, you promised me...

Lingchi: This Phoenix tear has been sealed within me for twenty years. I'm not acting impulsively or stubbornly clinging to the idea of self-sacrifice, but like the Princess, I want to protect Lingzhou.

Lingchi: If there is a way to achieve victory with minimal casualties...

Princess: Then it should be me who does it.

Ling Chi was taken aback. The light of dawn fell on his heterochromatic eyes, highlighting their striking contrast.

Princess: I promise you, I will protect Lingzhou. I will not allow the people in this city to suffer the ravages of war again.

-

I had informed everyone to gather at the city gate tower to discuss important matters. When I arrived, a group of people were arguing around a sand table.

Ge Qing: Our forces within the city are limited, a direct confrontation will offer no chance of victory. To be safe, it's better to hold back and not make any moves.

Chenqi: Before I came, I studied Han You's battle tactics. He is not a patient man. Even if we don't move, he will force us to send out troops.

Ge Qing: Lingzhou has been a land of war since ancient times. To ensure the safety of the city, the walls here are more fortified than in other places...

Ge Qing: We have cannons. Although the number is limited, we can still hold on for a while.

Chenqi: And then what? When we run out of ammunition and food, Lingzhou will really become a turtle in a jar.

Ge Qing: It's not necessary to be so pessimistic. There are ways to defeat Han You...

Princess: What ways?

Everyone turned around and bowed to me repeatedly.

Princess: In the face of a formidable enemy, let's dispense with these formalities.

Sergeant A: Report ---!!

Just as Ge Qing was about to speak, a soldier suddenly rushed into the room in a panic and knelt before me with a thud.

Princess: What's the panic? Speak properly.

Sergeant A: It's... Reporting... Reporting to the Princess, the enemy's commanding officer, Han You, has arrived at the city gate with a small contingent! He... He is requesting to see the Princess by name!

I was not surprised. I sat down in front of the sand table. Then I heard Han You's voice coming from below the city.

Han You: I have been ordered by His Majesty to subdue Lingzhou and escort the Princess back to Shengning for trial. I have an imperial decree as proof!

Han You: Generals of Lingzhou, and citizens within the city, listen! As long as you hand over the Princess, I will not hold past grievances against you! Otherwise, everyone will be punished for the crime of treason!

Han You's warhorse neighed beneath the city walls, and the Red Robe Army's shouts echoed through the sky. The expressions of everyone in the room were also very grave.

I planted the flag symbolizing the commander-in-chief on Lingzhou City in the sand table, looked around at everyone in the room, and slowly said:

Princess: Although you are in Lingzhou, you all have parents, relatives, brothers and sisters elsewhere. Right now, we are outnumbered. A fierce battle is inevitable, and the future of Lingzhou is uncertain...

Princess: If you do not wish to defend the city with me, I can have someone escort you safely out of the city before the Red Robe Army launches their attack.

After I spoke, no one showed any intention of retreating.

Feng Yuan: The Princess saved Lingzhou from the epidemic. The people of Lingzhou are grateful to you and are willing to live and die with you. As for me...

As Feng Yuan spoke, everyone else also stepped forward, clasped their fists, and said in unison:

Everyone: We are willing to follow Princess and protect the people of Lingzhou to the death!

Princess: Good! Qinghun, come with me to the city gate to meet Han You.

Qinghun did not answer, but shook his head solemnly.

Princess: If Han You only wanted my corpse, he wouldn't have made this trip. Don't worry, I won't be in any danger.

Zhan Yun: Princess, Qinghun's worry is not unreasonable. Why not just show your face on the city wall? If there are any unexpected events, we can also protect you.

Chenqi: That's right, Princess! You are the commander. The commander cannot be in danger! I will arrange a team of archers to ambush on the city wall. If Han You dares to make any rash moves, we will shoot him with arrows!

After much persuasion, I agreed. Only then did Qinghun let go and follow me to the city wall.

-

Han You, clad in black armor, arrived alone on horseback beneath the city gate tower. His fiery red cape billowed and snapped in the cold wind.

In the distance, the vast enemy army pressed towards the city like a dark cloud descending upon the earth.

Han You seemed to notice my gaze and looked up. After several months, those chilling red eyes once again fell upon me.

Then, a sneer crept onto his lips.

Han You: It's been a while. You seem to have lost some weight, Princess.

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Chapter 11-2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[yukihirata]

Talk it Out

The chief duty of government is to keep the peace and stand out of the sunshine of the people.

(( Recommended listening: https://youtu.be/LLiUwIFV_cM?si=-5rVlIH4Jz_nyFdS ))

“The emperor will see you know, Hirata-sama,” a middle-aged woman said, bowing and stepping out of the way so Yuki could enter the emperor’s meeting room.

“I was told you needed to speak to me?” Yuki asked as she took a seat directly opposite of her boss.

“Yes,” the emperor said with a soft smile, motioning for one of the servants to bring them some fresh tea. “I have received a disturbing report from a daimyo just north of us. He claims that a group of bandits have attacked and taken control of one of his people’s villages.

“Normally I would send a detachment of bakufu to resolve the matter, but I didn’t want to cause the people any alarm. Sending out a group of them does tend to draw attention and this daimyo has asked that we resolve the matter as quietly as possible. I want to send you, Yuki, to deal with the problem. Perhaps you can talk some sense into these people, bring them over to our side. Promise them steady jobs, a place to live and food in their bellies. Just try not to go too crazy with their new lives.”

“I can do that!” Yuki said with a nod of her head and quietly thanked the servant when they brought her some tea. “I can head out right now. A friend of mine has a ship that can get me to the village in just a couple of hours.”

“I know,” the emperor said with a confident smirk. “Your ‘friend’ had caused some real serious problems when he first showed up. Due to his association with you, I am willing to overlook his past transgressions. But, I will say this, if he kills another person in this country I will have him arrested and turned over to the Garlean government. I am trusting you to keep him on a very short leash, Yuki.”

“I have already spoken to him about his actions the day we met. I have done my best to keep him contained, but it is tricky with him. He has lost a lot and suffers a great deal, but that does not excuse his behavior. I will do my best to ensure he stays on the right path. Maybe one day he could even be of use to you, your highness.”

“Perhaps. For now you have your orders. Please make sure this is resolved with as little bloodshed as possible,” the emperor told Yuki as he rose to his feet, offering the Raen a slight bow of his head. “Please report to me when you have returned.”

The emperor smiled at Yuki before a door was opened and he vanished into it, the occupant closing the door behind him. She could hear some muffled talking from the next room but paid little mind to it. Yuki downed what was left of her tea and stood back up, dusting off her rear once she was up and ready to move.

“Okay!” Yuki said, quietly clapping her hands together once. “My first big girl job! Let’s not mess this up.”

------

Kallard eased the yoke down and set the ship down onto its landing gears. The engines started to wind down, a high pitched whine growing more quiet as time went on. He pulled the throttle all the way back, toggled a few switches and turned the propulsion system off.

Yuki was seated next to her friend in the copilot’s chair, careful not to touch any of the machine’s buttons or switches. She watched Kallard as he went through a mental checklist of things to do after landing the ship. He looked over at her and offered her a tired smile, the bags under his eyes especially dark today. The past few nights the Garlean hadn’t managed to get any sleep knowing that a perfect copy of his dead husband was somewhere in town, watching over him like a guardian angel made real. He wanted nothing more than to go to him and be with the only person he had loved who wasn’t his twin sister. But, they had all agreed that Cassian and Kallard were to not spend any time together as neither of them wanted to interfere in something they don’t understand.

“I’m gonna hang back and keep an eye on the ship,” Kallard said as he leaned back into his chair.

“Okay! Hopefully I won’t be long,” Yuki replied, undoing the straps that tethered her to the oddly comfortable chair.

“Remember, if things go south and you need help, shoot the red flare into the sky. I’ll be able to see it from here.”

“Danger. Red flare. Got it,” Yuki said with a smile. “Try not to have too much fun while I’m gone!”

And with that Yuki was off. She strode down the four steps leading into the cargo hold which was lined with a long bench on either side of the hold. One of the rows of seats had been converted into a makeshift cot, the blankets and pillows tossed aside. She slapped a large button and the loading ramp let out a soft hiss before lowering itself. It touched the ground and simple stopped moving, letting Yuki out of the ship and back into the Hingan countryside.

“Wow, it’s pretty here!” she told herself while jogging towards the village she was supposed to visit.

Kallard had parked the ship close by, but not close enough that it would draw people to it. He just hoped that no one saw it and assumed that Garlemald was invading. In fact, he was surprised he was allowed to even step food inside Hingashi proper. He was probably the first foreigner in a long time to be allowed past the gates and into the Hingan countryside. Yuki probably had a thing or two to do with it. So, for now, he just leaned forward onto the control panel, looking out the single window in the cockpit, watching as Yuki drew closer and closer to the village.

Yuki approached the village’s main gate and waved up at the person guarding it.

“Hello! I’m here to talk to your leader about the release of the hostages!” she called out.

“Stay there, he’ll come to you,” the guard shouted back before vanishing from sight. Yuki stood there and waited for the bandit leader, looking around and admiring the view while waiting. Eventually the gate cracked open and out strode a dashing rogue with long black hair and a lopsided smile.

“Oh my, they sent a beauty to negotiate,” the man said with a smile, bowing at the lady before him. “And you are the one the good ol’ emperor sent? I’m a little disappointed, I was hoping they’d send an entire garrison.”

“Yup, just me! I’m sorry I am not what you were expecting. Do you want to talk out here or can we go inside and sit?” Yuki asked, keeping her hands away from her two swords.

“Out here’s fine,” the man said with a shrug. “Ain’t to keen on letting you inside. Kami knows what you got on you, given the ship you arrived in.”

“Oh, that? That’s just my friend’s ship, it’s not mine. The emperor wanted me to come see you as soon as I could manage, so I asked him to give me a ride. Don’t worry, I’m not carrying any guns or bombs or anything like that. The only weapons I have on me are my two swords, which I hope to not use.”

“I’m confused. Didn’t the emperor send you here to kill us? We’re bandits and we have hostages,” the rogue said, raising a single eyebrow.

“No, I was not sent here to kill anyone. I was sent to see what it is we can do for you to make you happy. None of us want violence this day. All I really want to do is to talk it out and see if we can come to an agreement,” Yuki said with a soft smile. “I promise you I have your best intentions at heart.”

“I’ve been told that before, countless times,” the man spat, lowering his agitated voice. “The emperor lies, girl. We’ve all been told he wants to help us all, but what has he done for folk like us?”

“Who are the men and women who follow you? Can you tell me about them?”

The bandit just stared at Yuki. He had really expected the emperor to send someone, guns blazing. Instead he got a woman who carried a sword but didn’t want to use said sword. Instead she spoke of peace and working together. That’s a first.

“O-okay… We’re just sick of the bullshit jobs that don’t pay nothin’. Some of my boys wanna learn how to read and act and be artists. But we ain’t got the cash for that. We gotta rob and steal if we wanna survive ‘cause no one will hire thugs like us and we ain’t workin’ for the yakuza.”

“Okay! Well, it’s really good that you’re not working for the yakuza. That would make things a bit more difficult to deal with. But, you’re not, so we don’t have to worry about that!” Yuki said with a warm smile.

“Yeah, we just want normal lives, you know? Jobs, a place to live, clothes without holes in ‘em. That kinda thing.”

“I think we can manage something like that! I was authorized to offer you not just jobs, but places to live. I can see if I can get you and your crew set up with some new clothes. I have a tailor in town who owes me a few favors, so I can personally ensure you all have at least one outfit that’s nice and new.

“I was also told you would have food as well, so that’s even less you need to worry about! So, what do you say, is that something you and your crew would be interested in? I’m not sure what kind of jobs we’ll be setting up for you, but I was told they would be good paying jobs. If you want, you can go talk to your crew and see what they say. We really just want to resolve this without any bloodshed and are more than happy to lend a hand to you and your friends.”

The bandit looked like he didn’t know what to say. His mouth opened and closed several times, and each time his voice failed him. He turned around and looked down at the ground as he thoughtfully rubbing his chin. After a couple minutes he made a ‘tsk’ sound and stormed back into the village.

Yuki watched all this happen with a smile on her face, knowing that the offer would be enough to keep this group of people from causing more problems. She just hoped that it wasn’t a large group of people, otherwise she’d go broke buying them all clothes. But, Yuki was never one to back down on her word, so even if there was a small army inside, she would do her best to take care of them, even if it mean financial ruin for her.

The birds sang their songs of romance and lust, the cicadas howling before they got ready to vanish underground for seventeen years. The bandit leader took his time in talking to his crew, and after an hour he finally reemerged from the village, standing in front of the gate. He looked like he had something to say, but wasn’t sure how to word it.

“Okay,” he eventually said. “We agree to your terms. We’re not a big crew, so I hope it’s not too much trouble for you.”

“Perfect!” Yuki said with a big, warm smile. “How many of you are there?”

“Eight, including me,” the man said, nudging the gate open with a foot.

The main gate swung open and a small group of men and women stood there, each of them looking like they had done something wrong and knew it. None of them were willing to look Yuki in the eyes, but all eight of them appeared to be willing to adhere to the emperor’s terms. They knew that another offer like this would never happen again, so it would be best to jump in and accept now before the Raen was forced to resort to violence.

“Even better! Have any of you flown before?” Yuki asked, reaching into the folds of her haori.

Eventually, after some digging, Yuki removed a small, single shot flare gun. She loaded in a small green cartridge, pointed the tool up at the sky and fired. The gun issued forth a dull whump and the flare was shot into the sky, leaving behind a trail of green smoke. Kallard would see the signal and know Yuki was successful in her mission and she was on her way back.

“Flown? No, none of us have had the opportunity to,” the bandit leader said after watching the flare drift lazily down towards the earth.

“Well, today we get to change that! There aren’t a whole lot of windows in the ship, but I bet I can talk my friend into flying with the ramp open a little bit. It’s a lot of fun! We’ll get to Kugane in just an hour or so!”

“An hour? It would take over a week to walk there from here,” one of the bandits said, looking quite eager to start a new life. Her face was dirty and her clothing riddled with stains and holes. This was a group of people who desperately needed some help, otherwise they’d keep on their bad ways, eventually leading to a gruesome death.

“You’d be surprised the things that Magitek can do,” Yuki replied with a bob of her head and a smile.

“This is insane,” the bandit leader said, cracking that lopsided smile of his. “I thought we were all gonna die, not get flown around in an airship. I mean, shit, we’re even getting jobs!”

“Believe it or not, sometimes life takes it easy on you. I just hope that today will change your lives for the better, letting you contribute to society instead of stealing from it. I have faith in you all.”

None of the bandits could believe what they were hearing. None of them had ever been given a chance to start anew, never mind with support from the government they claimed to hate so much. And just who was this woman? She just showed up out of nowhere, giving society’s rejects a shot at living a good life. Several of the bandits were brought to tears, one of the men turning around to hide his sobs. They had all expected to die for trying to stand up for themselves or people like them. Maybe life wasn’t as bad as they made it out to be.

“I promise you, mysterious girl, none of us are gonna fuck this up. I’ll make sure we all stay on the right path,” the leader said, grinning now.

“Good! I’ll check in on you all every few months to check up on your progress. And if there’s anything you need from me, I work at the castle. Just ask one of the guards for me and they’ll go grab me if I’m free,” Yuki replied with yet another smile and nod of her head. “Come on, let’s leave the village and get you all on the right path.

Yuki then led the group of misfits back to Kallard’s ship. He was sitting on the loading ramp, smoking a cigarette. When the group approached he rose to his feet and slapped off a quick salute to Yuki with a smirk.

“Welcome back, fearless leader. I take it I’m taking you all back to Kugane?” Kallard asked Yuki as she approached.

“Yup! I managed to talk some sense into them and we’re all going to go back to Kugane to get some new lives started!” Yuki beamed up at her friend.

“You lot are lucky,” Kallard told the soon to be former bandits. “You got the best diplomat in all of Hingashi. As someone who has been helped by Yuki, she means everything she says. I can assure you that your lives will be changed for the better because of her.”

[curtklingermanposts]

He's No Longer Baby Jesus

Made in Whose Image?

Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Every Christmas, we celebrate the First Advent, or First Coming of our Lord Jesus. Obviously, there is much emphasis placed on His Virgin birth, which reveals His immense humility, to say the least. Many people sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, along with a plethora of carols. The wonderful thing about this tradition is it elevates an awareness of our Lord to humanity at large. Along with Resurrection Sunday (commonly known as Easter), it presents opportunities to share the Gospel. Not to get lost in the various nuances of this tradition, let’s focus on how we view Him. Even though, all of us are aware He is no longer the Baby in the manger, nor is He still hanging on the Cross, each of us has an image in our mind of Who He is right now. The question is: how accurate is that image? How biblically based it? We can embrace certain aspects of His nature, while not fully appreciating the others. We could inadvertently create in our minds a Jesus who matches our liking, but doesn’t encapsulate His true nature. The later would be far superior to anything we could conceptualize. It’s not that we desire a false Jesus; although, some do (see Romans 1:1-23). Those who do, want to create God into the image of their choosing, which means they want to be Him. Let’s leave that subject for another time. There are some things to consider in relation to how we view Him. One, is we could limit Him in our life. God is an infinite God Whose nature is quite mind-blowing, which is an understatement. A second consideration is that we could actually limit ourselves in becoming who were meant to be, since we are to be conformed to His image. For instance, some still confuse meekness with weakness. As a result, they fail to be bold when they should be.  Remember, while on earth, Jesus called the religious leaders out, using strong language. When He found those who sold oxen, sheep and doves, along with money changers in the temple, He made a scourge of chords, and drove them out. Moreover, he poured out their coins and overturned their tables (see John 2:13-17). Does that sound weak? Of course, Jesus was gentle and compassionate. In short, He was Who He needed in every situation. If we try to pick and choose what we like, we may not be who we need to be in the moment. Of course, a key to conforming to His image is submitting to Holy Spirit.

Some Snapshots

Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus is the Lamb of God, but He is also the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. While He did go to the Cross, He rose the dead in total triumph. At this moment in time, people have a choice as to whether they will bow their knees before Him, and confess He is Lord. However, either in death or when He returns, none will have a choice in the matter. They will bow and confess He is Lord to the glory of the Father! Period! End of discussion. In fact, there will be no discussion. By the way, it is better to meet Jesus as the Lamb of God and receive His forgiveness, before meeting Him as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! Revelation 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Because He is both the Lamb Who takes away the sins of the world, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, we have cause to rejoice! Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

perfectfaith.org

[littleapocalypsekitten]

I just want to say, after seeing some of it come across my dash again, because after all, people reblog and reblog and reblog... I feel that guilt-tripping readers is ineffective at best and gets them hostile at worst. I know that this is the time that we all scream into the void at the encroaching dark and holy shit the world's messed up and in the Information Age we all get to know a lot more than our ancestors did, but with apologies to the mutual I saw reblogging things he cares about (and I reblog the same subject matter from them and others), just... the way one post was worded just got me thinking on a long philosophical track. Some of us are doing what we can in light of the situation, which is not much, because we are not in power. All we have is our personal vote / no vote / I trusted you and you let me down lists in our heads. Some of us have written congresscritters whom we know aren't listening. Some who can give money and are sure they are giving to organisations that won't be intercepted and the money gobbled up have been giving. Some are afraid that's going to happen and are living paycheck to paycheck so all we have is our griping. (And some of us have disabilities physical, psychiatric and transportational that keep us from attending protests). So some of us might be doing what we can, but it's not enough and can't be. Anyway, the philosophical train of thought that my brain got onto:

I don't think it actually does much to tell people "What you're doing now is what you would have done during the Holocaust!" or "What you're doing now is what you'd be doing during slavery!" - this is used as a guilt trip, or perhaps a mirror to hold up to people who like to pretend that they are more heroic than they are. What about those of us who do not think we are particularly good? A friend of mine and I got to talking once about old books and how some people want to cancel or censor old literature, or who will look at you funny if you say you enjoyed old lit. The "Little House on the Prairie" books got brought up. I used to read those as a kid. I think I got up to the 4th or 5th book? And the last time I was reading them was when I was 8-9? My friend read them more recently and was talking about how one of the characters / protagonist's mother said "The only good Indian is a dead Indian," which is horrible, but honestly was a common sentiment among white settlers at the time and probably something that the author's mother had said. We agreed that censoring books isn't a good thing, instead, teaching children critical thinking skills and discernment is better. Kids ought to know the shit parts of history. My friend further went into the chilling conclusion that if we had lived in that time and place, we'd probably have the same sentiment, because a lot of your environment influences you. I agreed that it was a likely scenario, but maybe not - as some people are ahead of their time and I have put away a lot of bigotries I was raised in / encountered early on and used to have as I have grown and met people and have had life experiences. (Ex-Evangelical). Also, the above "guilt trip type of tumblr / twitter post" made me think to something I said on a blog commentary pretty soon after tRump was elected about how I'd expected that if shit really hit the fan, that I might just keep my head down. We all like to think that we would go down fighting the establishment, every one of us a Katniss Everdeen with a bow in our hand or something, but the reality is, most people just keep their heads down and survive. And I'm not a proud enough person to think that I am going to be doing anything else. "If I was a German during the Holocaust" - depending upon how much I knew and my living/financial situation, well, yeah, I expect I'd be doing what I am doing now: Writing a lot of fiction short stories with symbolism indicting horrible leaders and political and cultural situations that said leaders are too stupid to get the symbolism of (hopefully) and sadly, hardly anybody reads. Slavery days? Am I a Southerner or a Northerner? Most of my ancestry comes from Sweden, so I'd say I'd be there... but if American then... writing stuff with fantasy-ized slavery among varying castes of magical woodland animals or something in order to gentle the reader into seeing reality? And otherwise just kind of keeping my head down, surviving, not materially being able to do much?